Saudi Arabia’s Saudi International golf tournament has been postponed and the Urban Cycling World Championships cancelled after the Riyadh attack, while organisers say the 2027 Asian Cup remains on schedule
Riyadh Attack Disrupts Saudi Sports Events as Asian Cup Stays on Track
By Agency Report
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious sports calendar has suffered fresh setbacks following a deadly attack on Riyadh, with the Saudi International golf tournament postponed indefinitely and the Urban Cycling World Championships cancelled, even as organisers insist the 2027 Asian Cup football tournament will proceed as planned.
The disruption follows a strike on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday, which killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the attack, according to reports.
The latest developments have raised concerns about Saudi Arabia’s ability to host major international sporting events amid escalating regional security risks.
The Urban Cycling World Championships were scheduled to take place in Riyadh from November 3 to 7, while the $5m Saudi International, the Asian Tour’s flagship golf event, was due to hold from November 18 to 21 at Riyadh Golf Club.
Other competitions have also been affected. The Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament in Riyadh has been moved from October to December, while FIFA postponed the FIFAe Finals 2026 video game competition in Jeddah on Thursday until an unspecified date.
The disruptions have intensified questions over the future of the 24-team AFC Asian Cup, which Saudi Arabia is scheduled to host from January 7 to February 5, 2027.
Asian Football Confederation President Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said earlier in the week that postponing the continental championship until 2028 remained an option if circumstances required it. However, Saudi Arabia’s local organising committee said on Friday that preparations were continuing according to the original timetable.
“Preparations across all organisational and operational areas are progressing according to the approved schedule, including work on venues, facilities and supporting services,” it said in a statement.
“(The LOC) will continue to monitor developments relevant to the tournament and ensure the appropriate conditions are in place for its successful delivery.”
The Asian Tour confirmed that the Saudi International had been postponed indefinitely after an assessment of the challenges involved in staging the competition.
“The decision to postpone was taken following an assessment of the organisational and logistical challenges associated with hosting the tournament and ensuring the event is delivered to a standard befitting its international stature,” an Asian Tour statement said.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), cycling’s world governing body, cancelled the Urban Cycling World Championships after reviewing the regional situation and its impact on preparations.
The competition was expected to feature leading riders in trials and BMX freestyle events. Its cancellation followed Australia’s withdrawal from the championships over concerns about the safety of travelling to Riyadh.
“The decision follows a joint assessment of recent developments in the region and their impact on the logistical organisation of the Championships,” the UCI said.
“The UCI will communicate shortly on the sporting consequences of this announcement.”
Australia’s cycling governing body, AusCycling, said its decision to withdraw the national team reflected concerns about the safety of its delegation.
“with the safety and wellbeing of our athletes and staff our highest priority,” AusCycling said.
The Australian government is also advising travellers against trips to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in international sport through its Public Investment Fund (PIF), using major competitions to raise the kingdom’s global profile and diversify its economy. The 2027 Asian Cup is also seen as an important test of the country’s capacity to host major football tournaments ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
However, questions have emerged over the scale of those ambitions. A report by US news outlet Semafor earlier this week said the PIF was preparing to inform FIFA that it would scale back stadium plans for the 2034 World Cup as part of a broader review of domestic spending.
For now, the Asian Cup remains on the published schedule, although organisers say they will continue monitoring developments in the region. The postponement of golf, cancellation of cycling and changes to other competitions underline the growing uncertainty surrounding Saudi Arabia’s international sporting programme.
SOURCE: Reuters
